Aarhus University’s recent study explores how repeated exposure to images of the same food can induce a sense of satiety, potentially informing weight-loss strategies and redefining the impact of food advertising on social media. Grounded in the theory of cognitive perception, the research demonstrates that viewing a food image 30 times leads participants to feel more satiated and choose smaller portion sizes compared to those who saw the same image only three times.
Led by Tjark Andersen, the study involved over 1,000 participants across various online experiments featuring different food types, including orange M&Ms and Skittles. Findings suggest that the level of exposure influences appetite, as repeated visuals can activate areas of the brain similar to actual consumption. Despite participants consuming slightly fewer candies, the potential for significant calorie reduction hinges on refraining from meal initiation.
Given the prevalence of food imagery on social media, Andersen proposes that this research could pave the way for apps that promote satiety by visually stimulating cravings, ultimately contributing to obesity management in a digitally-driven era. The study indicates that while food imagery often exacerbates appetite, it can also serve as a tool for controlling food intake if applied strategically.
